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AIS....UNDERSTANDING HOW IT WORKS
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The Automatic Identification System on your boat has not been around as long as the compass, but surely plays an important navigational role.
You have an automatic identification system or AIS on board and you use it all the time. You probably take it for granted because it works behind the scenes with little input needed by the operator. The AIS has become so deeply integrated into today's wheelhouse it may be hard to imagine a time before the system was available. However, that time was not so very long ago.
AIS was developed in the 1990's primarily as part of collision avoidance systems. As it developed, calls by the United States Coast Guard to equip inland vessels were actively resisted by the industry. That all changed after September 11, 2001 when the Coast Guard mandated that most commercial vessels be equipped with AIS capability. Any inland commercial vessel over 26 feet in length was then required to install an AIS if it needed to transit a port with a vessel traffic system (VTS).
These rules remain today and most inland vessels are equipped with AIS even if they do not require VTS area transit. (Notice I say "most.")
Here are AIS basics you should know:
1. How is AIS information transmitted and received?
AIS uses the VHF radio band to transmit and receive dynamic data such as vessel course, speed, position MMSI number and rate of turn. It also transmits and receives static data such as vessel name, radio call sign, destination, ETA and dimensions of the vessel.
Most Higman boats carry a VHF type antenna dedicated for the AIS on the top of the wheelhouse, port side, aft.
2. How often is a vessel's data transmitted?
Dynamic information is transmitted every 2 to 10 seconds depending on the speed of the vessel. If the boat is stationary, it is transmitted every three minutes.
Static information is transmitted every six minutes. When you first turn on your AIS you may notice that a boat's name does not come up right away, only the MMSI number appears. The name should show up within six minutes.
3. What is the range AIS can cover?
Since AIS is transmitted on the VHF radio band, the range is typically calculated as the line of sight. If the AIS antenna on your boat is 46 feet above the water and you are receiving a transmission from another boat that also has its antenna 46 feet above the water, then the range should be about 20 miles.
4. How is the FURUNO FA 150 AIS transponder set up on Higman boats?
The brain of the system is located beneath the wheelhouse on most Higman boats. The power is supplied by the 12 volt system. A power switch is located on this box and must be turned on with the green light displayed before the unit will work.
If the system ever needs to be rebooted, turn the power switch on and off. It is a good idea to secure the power to the system if the boat is tied up in the shipyard for a period of time. The display unit is located on the dash in the wheelhouse for the Furuno FA 150 and is used to change operator supplied information such as: Vessel Status, Destination Port, Date/Time of ETA, Number of Crew, Type of Vessel, Draft. It also has a power switch that must be on to start the transmission and reception.
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Though this should be a very giving and happy time of year some very unfortunate events can happen. There are precautions you can take both on and off the boat to keep your holiday season merry.
At Home:
- Keep presents out of sight of windows and doors.
- When disposing of Christmas gift boxes (new 60" TV) don't put the box on the street for passing criminals to "window shop."
- Keep a list of product serial numbers (electronics) in a safe place. This makes it easier to track if they are stolen.
- Overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences, not Christmas trees. Be careful in this regard.
- Natural trees should be placed in a stand with water at all times.
- Place trees away from sources of heat.
- Inspect tree lights for frayed wires or other defects before use.
- Turn off all lights on the tree and any outdoor lighting when going to bed or when you leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.
- Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
- Ensure your normal security devices are functioning properly and turned on.
When Shopping:
- Don't overload yourself with packages making yourself an easy target.
- Parking lots are notorious for Christmas theft. Once you load your car, consider moving it since someone could be watching you load and then steal your presents.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Ensure packages are placed out of sight while in the vehicle, such as keeping packages in the trunk of your vehicle.
- If possible shop with another person and shop during daytime.
- Consider reducing the size of your wallet; carry only what you need for that day (one credit card and driver's license).
When Cooking:
- Raw meats can contain salmonella. To avoid contamination always wash hands before and after with hot water and antibacterial soaps. Prep surfaces should be washed with hot water and bleach (1 gallon water + 1 teaspoon bleach).
- Stove tops and ovens should never be left unattended. Make sure burners on the stove tops are turned off when not in use.
- Give yourself enough time to prepare your meal. Do not be in a hurry and try to cook everything on the stove top and oven at one time. Slow down and be aware of what you have going on in the galley or kitchen.
- Try not to become distracted or preoccupied with something else when you are cooking.
Fats and grease can ignite quickly and are great fuel for a fire. Should you have a grease fire, the best way to extinguish it is to smother it with a pot lid, salt, or a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Every galley or kitchen should have a small fire extinguisher readily available
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As the year comes to an end, it's important to ensure that all annual requirements have been met. These records are used when determining awards and promotions. Do you know what is required for your position? Here's a list
to remind you of your requirements:
Wheelman:
- Quarterly CBT's
- Annual Wheelman Seminar
- Simulator (every 5 years)
Steersman:
- Quarterly CBT's
- Steersman Bootcamp (required once during your steering program)
- Tankerman Seminar (if you were unable or already attended Steersman Bootcamp, you must attend a Tankerman Seminar). Each year a Steersman is required to attend either Steersman Bootcamp or Tankerman Seminar.
- Simulator (once during steering program)
Tankerman:
- Quarterly CBT's
- Tankerman Seminar (once during the 2015-16 session; this may fall in 2015 or 2016)
Deckhand:
- Quarterly CBT's
- Tankerman Seminar (optional before you get your tankerman license; mandatory after receiving your tankerman license)
New Hires:
- New Hire Orientation at Peninsula Training Facility
- 90 Day New Hire SMS Sign off (on CBT Website)
- CBT's starting from the quarter in which you hired. For Example: you hired in July so you are required to do 3rd and 4th quarter CBT's. If you hired anytime during the 1st quarter, you are required to do the entire year.
- Other requirements of your position.
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For the next few months, the Higman Training Newsletter will highlight the products carried aboard Higman Barges. The information below is general and is not meant to replace the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). For detailed product safety and health information, be sure to read the most current MSDS for the product you are interested in.
Today's Chemical is:....Crude Oil
Crude Oil Sour
Crude Oil Sweet
Crude oil Condensate Sour
Crude oil Condensate Sweet
Natural Gas Condensate Sour
Natural Gas Condensate Sweet
What is it?
Crude Oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface.
A fossil fuel is formed when large quantities of dead organisms, usually zoo plankton and algae, are buried underneath sedimentary rock and undergo intense heat and pressure. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling.
The problem with Crude Oil is that it takes many forms and has many different qualities.
There is no one MSDS for "Crude Oil."
In the next few issues we will discuss each of the above listed types of crude oil in detail including primary uses in the refining process and operational concerns when loading or discharging.
Next issue we will discuss "Sour Crude."
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Holiday events and celebrations can be exciting times for family and friends
to get together. But, get-togethers with family and friends can turn into tragedies when people are killed or injured in traffic crashes. As the holiday season approaches, you need to be mindful of actions that will make your holiday travels safer. Protect yourself and your passengers by following these holiday travel rules.
Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is tuned up and in good shape for travel. This is especially important for winter driving conditions. Restrain yourself and your passengers properly in seat belts and car safety seats. Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride. Be flexible in setting your travel plans. Leave early, if you can, to avoid peak traffic hours. If snow or icy roads are predicted during the time you plan to travel, change your schedule. It is better to reschedule your gathering than to risk the lives of traveling family or friends.
Stay fresh and alert to all conditions while driving. Pay attention to and obey all traffic laws. Take plenty of breaks and do not push yourself to meet an unrealistic schedule. If you get tired, pull off the road into a rest area or business, get out of the car for some fresh air, buy something to refresh you, or just relax until you feel revived. If that doesn't work, find a motel or campground where you can spend the night. Forty-one percent of fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle crashes. These crashes most often occur during late night/early morning hours or late afternoon hours when drivers are tired, have consumed alcohol, or any combination of these factors.
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"It's a dog's life." Thankfully no one was injured, but this truck was totaled avoiding a dog that ran into traffic. Stay alert! It can happen in an instant to anyone!
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Keep your speed down. Give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to traffic. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation. Do not pass if you cannot see enough clear road to pass safely. Remember, cars are not the only hazards you might encounter. Wildlife accounts for a large number of accidents. If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol-free. Because driving requires your full attention, pull off the road if you have to use your cellular phone.
Stay safe this holiday season!
Jeremy
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NOLA USCG Testing MARSEC Levels
This morning, December 9th, 2015, the US Coast Guard New Orleans Sector will be conducting a Port Security Exercise to assess the MARSEC level communication system. The test will be done in part of the New Orleans Captain of the Port zone. The section being tested will not be revealed prior to the exercise.
If you are involved in the drill you may be notified via one of the following methods:
- A Marine Safety Information Broadcast sent to the port community
- A message sent via the USCG Homeport system to registered Company Security Officers
- A USCG Alert Warning System (AWS) message sent to the USCG's updated list of vessel POCs. The AWS system sends a message to individuals via text message, telephone call, and email (based on the information entered into the system)
- A Broadcast Notice to Mariners transmitted over VHF radio
As always, ensure that you are monitoring all communications onboard. If you are involved in the exercise it is important that you respond to the drill. Call Kyle Shaw (CSO) or Amy Kappes (Alternate CSO). You do not need to physically change your MARSEC level! You will need to provide the following information:
- Name of Vessel
- Geographic Location of Vessel (for example, 'MM120 LMR' or '3 NM south of Southwest Pass')
- SIMULATED MARSEC Level (for Example "Attained MARSEC II")
- Name of Company
- 24 hr contact information for Company Security Officer (CSO) or Vessel Security Officer (VSO)
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USCG RULES OF THE ROAD QUESTIONS
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BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel which is fishing must show sidelights and a stern light only when __________.
a. anchored
b. underway
c. dead in the water
d. underway and making way
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel of over 20 meters in length underway must show a __________.
a. red light over a green light at the masthead
b. white masthead light
c. combined lantern
d. stern light
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in restricted visibility and hear a fog signal forward of the beam. Nothing appears on your radar screen. You must __________.
a. stop your engines
b. sound two prolonged blasts of the whistle
c. sound the danger signal
d. slow to bare steerageway
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What light(s), if any, would you show at night if your vessel was broken down and being towed astern by another vessel?
a. None
b. Same lights as for a power-driven vessel underway
c. A white light forward and a white light aft
d. The colored sidelights and a white stern light
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is NOT a distress signal?
a. A continuous sounding of the fog horn
b. Firing a gun every minute
c. Five or more short rapid blasts on the whistle
d. A square flag and ball flown from the mast
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The Franklin Expedition, 1845
In 1845, explorer Sir John Franklin set sail from England with two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, in search of a Northwest Passage across what is now Canada's Arctic. The ships and crews vanished, prompting a massive search that continues to this day.
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HMS EREBUS and HMS TERROR
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On May 19, 1845, the Royal Navy ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror departed Greenhithe, England on a much-heralded Arctic expedition in search of a Northwest Passage. Under the command of Sir John Franklin, with Captain Francis Rawdon Crozier second in command, the expedition's two ships set out with a total complement of 134 officers and men.
HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were stoutly-built and soundly reinforced for operation in the ice, equipped with novel auxiliary-steam screw propulsion systems, fitted expressly for the expedition, and lavishly provisioned for a voyage of up to three years expected duration. Sir John Franklin's orders were to traverse the passage and return to England without delay via the Pacific. The expedition was also expected to conduct a variety of zoological, botanical, magnetic and geological surveys.
The last Europeans to have contact with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were the crews of two whaling vessels, the Enterprise and Prince of Wales. Conversation during this chance meeting in August 1845, between the expedition leaders and the Captains of the whaling ships, indicated that Franklin was waiting for an opportunity to cross Baffin Bay to Lancaster Sound. However, after entering the eastern Arctic Archipelago later that season and enjoying initial success, the promising expedition soon began to fatally unravel. Indeed, except for occasional encounters with the Inuit, the crews of the vessels would never be seen alive again.
The disappearance of the Franklin expedition set off a massive search effort in the Arctic and the broad circumstances of the expedition's fate were not revealed until 1859 when Lt. William Hobson of the steam yacht Fox, a vessel privately chartered by the indomitable Lady Jane Franklin, found a somber message left in a cairn on Victory Point, King William Island.
The message revealed that both ships had become trapped in ice in late 1846 and had remained so for approximately one and half years. It indicated Franklin had died on June 11, 1847, while an additional 23 crew members had similarly perished under unknown circumstances. On April 22 1848, the 105 remaining survivors deserted the ships and recorded their intention to proceed on foot in the direction of Back's Fish River. None would survive; the entire complement of both ships perished and HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were lost to the ice.
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Hurray for Tiny! Here he is taking his first steps since June! Way to go! We are proud of you and wish you the happiest of holidays and more progress through the New Year.
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Season Greetings from the Peninsula office + David :)
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Sixth Session
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| January 26
| Seventh Session
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| February 11
| Eighth Session
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| March 1
| Ninth Session
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| April 7
| Tenth Session
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| May 31
| Eleventh Session
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| June 21
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First Session
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| April 20-21
| Second Session
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| May 2-3
| Third Session
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| May 11-12
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First Session
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| January 18-20 | |
Second Session
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| March 21-23 | |
Third Session
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| TBD | | Fourth Session |
| July 18-20 | | Fifth Session |
| August 15-17 | | Sixth Session |
| September 12-14
| | Seventh Session |
| Oct 31 - Nov 2 |
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Make sure crewmembers have access to the Training Newsletter
- Print a copy of each issue for the crew.
- You may join our mailing list by clicking below:
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Higman CBT Certificates earned year to date: 6,695
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Answer to this weeks Nav Gen: D,D,D,D,C
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Sincerely,
GORDIE KEENAN
KELLY CLEAVER
JANIS ANDERSON
DENNIS ZINK
© 2015 HIGMAN MARINE SERVICES, Inc.
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